A new version of the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric) is released for the opening of each new biannual filing round in the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection, on or around June 30 and December 31 of each year. When that occurs, the FCC’s Fabric contractor, CostQuest, makes the updated Fabric data files available to entities that have executed a Fabric license agreement. Current licensees will be emailed a link to access the updated files and do not need to take any actions to request the files or renew their license agreement.
Providers must use the version of the Fabric that matches the filing period for which they are preparing and uploading fixed broadband availability data. For example, the December 2023 version of the Fabric (also referred to as Fabric Version 4) must be used when submitting availability data as of December 31, 2023. Similarly, entities submitting bulk Fabric challenges should review the must current version of the Fabric available and base their submissions on that version.
The National Broadband Map displays availability data as of June 30, 2023 and the June 2023 version of the Fabric.
Licensees have been sent a link to the December 2023 version of the Fabric, also called version 4. This version should be used for the current BDC filing window and for any bulk Fabric challenge submissions. If you do not have a license to the Fabric and wish to submit bulk Fabric challenges, click here to learn more about getting a no-cost license: https://help.bdc.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/sections/10419330460827-Access-the-Fabric.
NTIA’s BEAD funding program and the associated state challenge processes may rely on a current or previous version of the Fabric. You can learn more about state BEAD challenge timelines here: https://www.internetforall.gov/state-and-territory-challenge-process-tracker
Other broadband funding programs, or certain research and analysis, may be based on a specific vintage of the Fabric. Contact the program administrator or the author of the content to learn more about the Fabric vintage being used.